How to Fix Epic Games Error Code AS-202 (Sign In Failed)

What is Epic Games Error Code AS-202?

Error code AS-202 is a “Sign In Failed” issue that prevents users from logging into the Epic Games Launcher. Epic Games does not officially document this exact code, opting instead to classify all undefined “AS” errors broadly as network configuration or webcache issues.

However, recent community log analysis from September 2026 pinpoints the exact mechanical failure: the launcher sends an authentication request to Epic’s servers (/account/api/oauth/token) but receives an unexpected response payload. The launcher fails to parse this broken JSON data (throwing a “Null Stream” exception) and triggers the AS-202 crash. Many users note this problem surfaced immediately following a mid-September Windows security update.

How to Fix Error AS-202

Because this is a localized payload parsing failure, standard network resets (like resetting your router or flushing DNS) are rarely effective. You must either clear the broken local data or repair the launcher installation itself.

1. Run the Epic Games Launcher Repair Tool

This is the most successful fix and preserves all installed games.

Download the latest Epic Games Launcher installer directly from the official website.
Run the downloaded installer file.
Instead of prompting a fresh installation, the setup wizard will detect your existing files and offer a Repair option.
Select Repair, let the wizard complete the process, and launch the application to sign in.

2. The “Safe” Reinstall (Protects Game Files)

If the repair tool fails, you must fully reinstall the launcher. A standard uninstallation deletes your downloaded games. Use this sequence to protect your game files:

Open File Explorer, navigate to your Epic Games installation folder (default is C:\Program Files\Epic Games), and rename the folder to Epic Games Old.
Open Windows Settings > Apps, find Epic Online Services, and uninstall it. (Uninstall the Epic Games Launcher here as well if the system allows).
Download and install a fresh copy of the Epic Games Launcher.
Open the launcher and sign in—the AS-202 error should now be resolved.
Close the launcher completely, move your specific game folders from Epic Games Old into the newly created Epic Games directory, and restart the launcher so it can verify the existing files.

3. Clear the Launcher Webcache

This is Epic’s official baseline recommendation for undefined AS network errors:

Right-click the Epic Games icon in your Windows system tray and select Exit to ensure no background processes are running.
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog, type %localappdata%, and press Enter.
Open the EpicGamesLauncher folder, and then the Saved folder.
Right-click the webcache folder and delete it.
Restart your computer and launch Epic Games.

4. Disable Third-Party Antivirus HTTPS/SSL Filtering

Because the root cause of AS-202 is an intercepted or mangled JSON payload, third-party security software (like Avast, AVG, Kaspersky, or Bitdefender) is often the culprit. These programs use “SSL/HTTPS Inspection” or “Encrypted Connection Scanning” to intercept web traffic, which can break the launcher’s login requests. Temporarily disable this specific web-filtering feature in your antivirus settings, then attempt to log in again.